Archives for January 2017

I was sitting on the porch New Year’s Day enjoying the misty, rainy afternoon. I noticed my perennial butterfly garden was in need of some work. There were some plants still green and looking good. But most were in need of a good trim.

I’ve been asking the Lord to do a new work in my heart and life as I begin this year—to show me areas of my heart and life that are not pleasing to Him. What needs to go? What needs to remain? What needs to be pruned so greater growth can take place?

We read in John 15:2…

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Pruning. Ugh! Honestly, not my favorite thing to do in the yard. But it’s necessary—just ask any green-thumbed gardener or horticulturist (I am neither). If you want beautiful rose bushes with beautiful blooms that are not “leggy and unattractive”, then you have to take the time to prune. If I want beautiful blooms in my perennial bed come Spring, then pruning needs to take place.

Here are five reasons for pruning plants and shrubs in your garden (straight from Wikipedia):…continue reading